VERGE Accelerate provides global stage for start-ups

Up to 18 innovative start-ups at the convergence of energy, buildings, transportation and cities will vie for recognition by some of the world’s largest companies this fall. The event, VERGE Accelerate, will allow young companies to compete for the approval of cleantech innovation leaders and investors as well as a global audience of voting professionals.

VERGE Accelerate will take place during VERGE San Francisco, October 14-17, the flagship in a global event series focusing on the intersection of technology and sustainability — in particular, the convergence of energy, information, building and transportation technologies, and the opportunities it brings to business, the environment and society. VERGE conferences bring together a diverse community of corporate executives, entrepreneurs, city officials and thought leaders.

GreenBiz Group, producer of VERGE SF and VERGE Accelerate, is partnering with the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Civic Innovation and the Cleantech Open to produce VERGE Accelerate, expanding opportunities for participation and amplifying the related work of both organizations. VERGE SF and Accelerate are part of October’s Innovation Month in San Francisco, designated by Mayor Edwin M. Lee.

“As the Innovation Capital of the World, San Francisco is proud to host the startups, investors and leaders that are coming together at VERGE San Francisco as part of Innovation Month,” said Jay Nath, San Francisco's Chief Innovation Officer. "Events like these drive solutions and partnerships for tough civic and environmental challenges that will ultimately help build our economy, generate jobs and contribute to a sustainable future."

"We are excited to be working with Greenbiz on VERGE Accelerate to advance our shared objectives of supporting early stage cleantech companies," said Erik Steeb, Executive Director of Cleantech Open Western Region. "Given the Cleantech Open mission to find, fund and foster the best in cleantech, close collaboration on VERGE is an obvious win for all involved ."

“This is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to take a global stage before some of the world’s largest companies and cities seeking to invest in and adopt smart solutions at scale,” said Shana Rappaport, Director of Engagement for VERGE. “The goal of VERGE Accelerate is quite literally to accelerate market penetration of innovative technologies and new business models with game-changing potential.”

In rapid-fire pitches, participating companies are being asked to address the problem they are solving, how they are solving it and why their product or service is better than what’s currently available.

Qualifying companies must meet a series of eligibility criteria to be considered for VERGE Accelerate. More information and the nomination link can be found on the VERGE Accelerate webpage.